Kenneth Branagh's visual representation of &quot;Much Ado about Nothing&quot; allows for the notion of change to be dealt with in several ways.

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Introduction

Change Change involves a process whereby a previous state has been altered by an event or circumstance. Change occurs all around us, in many and varied forms. One will never know what change will bring to their lives. Change is always unpredictable, with the end result being either pleasant or unpleasant. Kenneth Branagh's visual representation of "Much Ado about Nothing" allows for the notion of change to be dealt with in several ways. Miroslav Holub's "The Door" uses a pleading tone to encourage one to take action for change. In "Much Ado about Nothing", change is chiefly demonstrated by the emotional inconsistencies of the protagonists. At the outset of the play, we are initially treated to a "merry war" of wits between Benedick and Beatrice as shown by their verbal outbursts of seeming discontent at each other; "Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours". Surprisingly, Branagh develops their journey from one of antagonism to sincere love. Branagh has Beatrice reveal her distaste for Benedick early in the film when she asserts "I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me". ...read more.

Middle

the extent of challenging Claudio, previously his closest friend in the world, to duel to the death over Claudio's accusation as to Hero's unchaste behaviour. There can be no doubt at this point that Benedick has switched his allegiances entirely over to Beatrice. Benedick and Beatrce's relationship is stimulating by since they had become so convinced about their disinterest in romance. However, all this unites with 'much ado' into a pleasant outcome - marriage. The idea of change is further explored in Holub's poem, "The Door". The poem implies that how sometimes we feel too afraid, too confronted by the possibility of failure to change, similar to Benedick's reluctance to express his true feelings in the fear of rejection. The door is used both metaphorically as an intimidating barrier and as a metaphor for opening up the possibilities of change in one's life. The poem's insistent voice to stimulate one to act is presented in his imperative directive "Go and open the door" which is used repeatedly at the beginning of each stanza to stress the need for change. ...read more.

Conclusion

At the beginning of the novel, Boo Radley is symbolic of a "malevolent phantom" in Scout's eye as the source of childhood superstition. However, as the narrative develops, Scout's progress as a character in the novel is defined by her changing outlook towards Boo Radley, initially from one of terror to acceptance "The Radley place had ceased to terrify me", representative of her development from innocence towards that of a grown-up. The definitive experience which aided Scout into this change is when her life is ironically saved by the individual she feared all her life. Scout's interpretation of Boo at the end of the novel just shows how much she has changed, "Atticus, he was real nice". Boo Radley's unconditional love for the children served as the catalyst for Scout's change. Though she is still a child at the end of the novel, we see how Scout mentally changes from an innocent child into that of a near grown-up, as she learns an important lesson in life that people cannot be judged by unfounded preconception until "you finally see them". ...read more.

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